Gaming system including slot machines and gaming control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming system includes: slot machines providing a basic game; a second gaming device, which executes a second game; second gaming terminals; and a central controller. The central controller receives a second game start signal from the slot machine. Also, the central controller receives data from the slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under a predetermined condition. Furthermore, the central controller receives data from any one of the aforementioned slot machine, other slot machines that differ from the aforementioned slot machine, and the second game terminals concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet. The central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming system including slot machines and a gaming control method.

2. Related Art

Examples of known conventional slot machines include a slot machine having a function of providing a free game or a bonus game that provides the player with an advantage in comparison with a basic game as disclosed in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,941 and the specification of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/110558. The term “free game” or “bonus game” as used here represents a second game. Examples of such second games executed by such slot machines thus disclosed include: a game which, when a particular symbol is displayed, raises the probability of winning a particular combination that gives the player an award; a game that raises the amount of payout to be received by a player who has won a particular winning combination.

Also, examples of other disclosed slot machines include a slot machine that displays the value of the payout which the player has a chance to get in the second game, so as to notify the player before the second game.

With such conventional slot machines, the same slot machine also provides the second game. The present invention provides a slot machine that offers further novel entertainment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having the following configuration. The gaming system comprises: slot machines for providing a basic game; a second gaming device for providing a second game; second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game, each of which can communicate with a central controller. The central controller executes a basic game, and transmits a signal for switching to a second game under a predetermined condition. The second gaming device is separate from the slot machines. With such an arrangement, the central controller has a function whereby, upon reception of a switching signal from any one of the slot machines, a start signal is transmitted for starting the second game, which instructs the second gaming device to start the second game, a function of receiving data from the aforementioned slot machine with respect to a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, a function of receiving data with respect to additional bets that differs from the data with respect to the basic bet from the aforementioned slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, and a function whereby, upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets, the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game is increased according to the data with respect to the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

With the gaming system according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the case that any one of the slot machines has transmitted a signal for switching to the second game from the basic game under a predetermined condition, the central controller receives the data from the aforementioned slot machine with respect to the basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition. Furthermore, the central controller receives the data with respect to additional bets that differs from the data with respect to the basic bet, from any one of the aforementioned slot machine, other slot machines that differ from the aforementioned slot machine, and the second gaming terminals. Upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets, the central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified in the second game.

The second aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having a configuration as follows, wherein the central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data with respect to the additional bets received from the aforementioned slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

With the gaming system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data with respect to the additional bets received from the aforementioned slot machine, any slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having a configuration as follows, wherein upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets from the aforementioned slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, the central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data with respect to the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet. Furthermore, the central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data with respect to the additional bets received from the aforementioned slot machine, any slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet.

With the gaming system according to the third aspect of the present invention, upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets from the aforementioned slot machine, any slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, the central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game, and permits the player to specify the additional betting methods that differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet,

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having a configuration as follows, wherein any one of the other slot machines and the second gaming terminals transmits the data with respect to the additional bets in the form of credit data, and receives data from the central controller with respect to the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via the aforementioned slot machine using the credit data thus transmitted.

With the gaming system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the central controller transmits the payout data to any one of the other slot machines and second gaming terminals corresponding to the result of the second game on which additional bets have been placed via the aforementioned slot machine based upon the credit data with respect to the additional bets received from any one of the other slot machines and the second gaming terminals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram which shows a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram which shows an external view of the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view which shows an enlarged view of the display region of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller of a video reel slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view which shows a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side;

FIG. 7 is a disassembled perspective view which shows a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller of a mechanical reel slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a display/input controller of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows a second gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a central controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view which shows a second gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller of the second gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram which shows a structure of a random number table for a basic game;

FIG. 15 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout table for the basic game;

FIG. 16 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout table for a second game;

FIG. 17 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout determining table for the second game;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows a processing flow in the basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts which show the processing flow of the gaming system in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart which shows the betting processing flow of the slot machine in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart which shows the participation processing flow of the second gaming terminal in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows an example of what is displayed when a combination of “BONUS” symbols has come to a stop along an active pay line L5 on a display region in the basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows an example of what is displayed after the symbol combination shown in FIG. 22 has been displayed in the basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows an example of what is displayed on the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention when the player places a bet in the second game;

FIG. 25 shows an example of what is displayed on the second gaming terminal upon reception of a second game start signal when the slot machine enters the second game mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows an example of what is displayed on the second gaming terminal when the slot machine enters the second game mode, which permits a player to place additional bets, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 27 shows an example of what is displayed on another slot machine when the aforementioned slot machine enters the second game mode, which permits a player to place additional bets via the latter slot machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description will be given regarding a schematic configuration of a gaming system 10 according to the present embodiment with reference to FIGS. 2 and 20. FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows an external configuration of the gaming system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming system 10 principally comprises slot machines 13, a second gaming device 11, and second gaming terminals 15. The term “second gaming device 11” as used here represents a gaming device for a roulette game, for example. Each slot machine 13 has a function of allowing the player to bet on a roulette game in the second game under a predetermined condition described later with reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20 in addition to the basic game described later with reference to FIG. 18.

Furthermore, the gaming system 10 includes a large-size monitor 16. The large-size monitor 16 displays images or the like as necessary, corresponding to the progress of the second game (which will also be referred to as “roulette game” hereafter).

The multiple slot machines 13 (eight slot machines in the present embodiment) t are provided such that they surround the perimeter of the second gaming device 11 in a layout that allows the players at the slot machines 13 to see the large-size monitor 16. With such an arrangement, each slot machine 13, including a seat 57 for the player, is installed on a movable floor 18. Furthermore, such an arrangement has a mechanism for raising the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode together with its seat 57 in the form of a single unit by raising the movable floor 18 in the event that the second game has started.

Furthermore, the gaming system 10 includes multiple second gaming terminals 15 (four second gaming terminals in the present embodiment) which allows the players to participate in the roulette game. Each of the second gaming terminals 15 is a dedicated roulette gaming terminal, and for example, is a terminal which allows other players to participate in the second game in the case that the second game has started at any one of the slot machines 13. Note that a description will be given later regarding the second game with reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 21.

Furthermore, the gaming system 10 includes multiple movable viewpoint cameras 17 (four in the present embodiment). One of the movable viewpoint cameras 17 is provided for capturing an image of a roulette device 60 described later with reference to FIG. 10. This movable viewpoint camera 17 is installed at a position that allows it to capture an image of the roulette device 60 from the viewpoint along the vertical direction from the upper side to the lower side of the roulette device 60. With such a layout, this movable viewpoint camera 17 captures an image of the rotating roulette wheel, and an image of a ball 65 at a certain position after the roulette wheel stops. The images thus captured are displayed on the monitor 16. The gaming system 10 is installed in an amusement facility such as a casino.

In the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied, the slot machine 13 in the basic game mode enters the second game mode. In this case, the gaming system allows the player to place additional bets, in addition to the bets permitted as a result of the predetermined condition having been satisfied (Step S408 in FIG. 20). Furthermore, the gaming system allows the player to place additional bets by transmitting credit data via the second gaming terminal 15 (Step S410 in FIG. 20). With such an arrangement, the number of bets permitted for the player is determined based upon the amount of the additional bets, thereby providing various betting methods.

A description will be given below regarding the configuration of the gaming system 10 according to the present invention with reference to FIG. 1. With the gaming system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the components connected to a network 12 include: the slot machines 13; the second gaming device 11; a central controller 14; and the second gaming terminals 15. The central controller 14 can control each slot machine 13, the second gaming device 11, and each second gaming terminal 15 via the aforementioned network 12.

Each slot machine 13 provides a function of allowing the player to play a basic game. Furthermore, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied, each slot machine 13 transmits a signal for switching the game from the basic game to the second game. Here, the second game is executed by the second gaming device 11 under the control of the central controller 14. In this case, the slot machine 13 played by the player serves as a terminal for the second game, which allows the player to bet on a roulette game. Such an arrangement allows the player to play the second game using the second gaming device 11 which is a separate unit from the slot machine 13.

Furthermore, the second gaming terminal 15 is connected to the central controller 14 via the network 12. The gaming system 10 has a mechanism which allows other players to participate in the second game played at the slot machine 13 via the second gaming terminals 15 in the case that the roulette game has started at the second gaming device 11. The term “participation” as used here represents an act of transmitting credits from the second gaming terminal 15 to the slot machine 13 in the second game mode such that a bet is relegated to another player at the slot machine 13 in the second game mode. Thus, in the case that the roulette game has started, the gaming system allows other persons in the amusement facility to participate in the roulette game using the second gaming terminals 15, thereby offering a second game that permits participation of multiple players.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows the slot machine 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 13 includes a cabinet 20 and a main door 42. The cabinet 20 has a structure in which the face facing the player is open. The cabinet 20 includes various kinds of components. Such components include: a controller 100 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) for electrically controlling the slot machine 13; a hopper 44 for controlling the insertion of coins (gaming medium) and for retaining and paying out the coins (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8); etc. The gaming medium is not restricted to coins. Other examples of such gaming media include medals, tokens, electronic money or electronic value information (credit) having the same value.

The main door 42 is a member that serves as a cover of the cabinet 20, which protects the internal components stored in the cabinet 20 from being exposed to the outside. The main door 42 includes the liquid crystal display 30 at approximately the center thereof.

The liquid crystal display 30 is provided for displaying various kinds of images with respect to the game such as images for providing visual effects. Such an arrangement allows the player to advance the game while visually confirming various kinds of images displayed on the aforementioned liquid crystal display 30. In particular, in the roulette game, the liquid crystal display 30 displays the BET screen 70 described later with reference to FIG. 24. The liquid crystal display 30 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 has a function of switching a part of or the entire area of the liquid crystal panel 34 between a transparent mode and an opaque mode, and a function of displaying various kinds of images. Note that a detailed description will be given regarding the configuration of the liquid crystal display 30.

Let us consider an arrangement in which the slot machine 13 comprises video reels. With such an arrangement, five virtual reels are displayed on the liquid crystal display 30. Note that the term “video reel” as used here represents a mechanism for displaying a reel on the liquid crystal display 30 in the form of an image, instead of the mechanical reels. Multiple kinds of symbols necessary for the basic game include “BONUS”, “WILD”, “TREASURE BOX”, “GOLDEN MASK”, “HOLY CUP”, “COMPASS & MAP”, “SNAKE”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J”, and “10”. With such an arrangement, the liquid crystal display 30 displays these symbols with an image as if the reel has rotated.

On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which the slot machine 13 comprises mechanical reels. With such an arrangement, the slot machine 13 includes five mechanical reels 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E (see FIGS. 4 and 6), each of which has multiple kinds of symbols depicted on the outer face thereof, arranged along a horizontal line on the rear face side of the liquid crystal display 30 in a manner that allows each mechanical reel to be rotated. The mechanical reels 3A through 3E and stepping motors 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, and 45E (see FIG. 8) described later, etc., form a mechanism for displaying multiple symbols. As described above, each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E has symbols which are necessary for the basic game depicted on the outer face thereof. In the case that the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in the transparent mode, the player can visually confirm these various kinds of symbols on the mechanical reels 3A through 3E.

The slot machine 13 includes an approximately horizontal operation unit 21 below the liquid crystal display 30. Furthermore, a coin insertion opening 22 is provided on the right side of the operation unit 21, which allows the player to insert coins into the slot machine 13. On the other hand, the components provided to the left side of the operation unit 21 include: a BET switch 23 which allows the player to determine which lines are to be set to active pay lines among nine lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9, for providing an award described later (which will simply be referred to as “active pay lines” hereafter), and which allows the player to select the number of coins as gaming media which are to be bet on the aforementioned active pay lines; a spin repeat bet switch 24 which allows the player to play the game again without changing the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines from that in the immediately prior game. Such an arrangement allows the player to set the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines by performing a pushing operation on either the BET switch 23 or the spin repeat bet switch 24.

With the aforementioned operation unit 21, a start switch 25 is provided on the left side of the BET switch 23, which allows the player to input a start operation instruction for the basic game in increments of games. Upon performing a pushing operation on either the start switch 25 or the spin repeat bet switch 24, which serves as a trigger to start the game, the aforementioned five mechanical reels 3A through 3E start to rotate.

On the other hand, a cash out switch 26 is provided near the coin insertion opening 22 on the aforementioned operation unit 21. Upon the player pushing the cash out switch 26, the inserted coins are paid out from a coin payout opening 27 provided at a lower portion of the front face of the main door 42. The coins thus paid out are retained in a coin tray 28. Furthermore, the coin payout opening 27 is provided on the upper side of the coin tray 28, with sound transmission openings 29 provided to the left and right of the coin payout opening 27. Here, the sound transmission openings 29 are provided for transmitting sound effects generated by a speaker 41 (see FIGS. 5 and 8) stored within the cabinet 20 to the outside.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view which shows the display region of the slot machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13 includes a front panel 31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) provided at the rear face of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 comprises a transparent display screen 31 a and a design formation area 31 b where designs have been formed. Such an arrangement allows the player to visually confirm the image information displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided at the rear face of the front panel 31 through the display screen 31 a of the front face 31. On the other hand, let us consider the case in which the region of the aforementioned transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in the transparent mode. In this case, such an arrangement allows each of the symbols on the five mechanical reels 3A through 3E provided on the rear side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 to be visually confirmed through the display screen 31 a. On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which the slot machine 13 comprises video reels. With such an arrangement, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 in an opaque state may display the reels in the form of an image. Also, an ordinary liquid crystal panel may be employed instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Furthermore, various kinds of display units, i.e., a payout display unit 48, a credit amount display unit 49, and a BET amount display unit 50, are provided on the left side of the rear face of the liquid crystal display 30. Note that the design formation area 31 b of the front panel 31 is formed having a transparent portion that covers the top faces of these display units 48 through 50, thereby allowing the player to visually confirm the contents displayed on the aforementioned display units 48 through 50.

The slot machine 13 has the nine lines L1 through L9 for providing awards as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the lines L1 through L9 for providing awards is formed such that it extends so as to pass through one of the symbols for each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E when the rotation of all the five reels 3A through 3E has stopped, or when the five video reels have stopped.

Upon pushing the aforementioned BET switch 23 once, the line L3 for providing a third award, the line L5 for providing a fifth award, and the line L7 for providing a seventh award, are set to be active pay lines, and one coin is input as a credit medal, for example.

Furthermore, upon pushing the aforementioned BET switch 23 twice, the line L1 for providing a first award, the line L4 for providing a fourth award, and the line L8 for providing an eighth award, are set to be active pay lines, in addition to the aforementioned three lines, and two coins are input as credit medals, for example.

Furthermore, upon pushing the aforementioned BET switch 23 three times, the line L2 for providing a second award, the line L6 for providing a sixth award, and the line L9 for providing a ninth award, are set to be active pay lines, in addition to the aforementioned six lines, and three coins are input as credit medals, for example.

The game available in the present embodiment is a basic game in which a predetermined set of symbols are made along the active pay lines. In the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the basic game, the game is switched to the second game with coins paid out in the basic game according to a predetermined condition.

The payout display unit 48 is a component for displaying the amount of the coins paid out when a particular combination of the symbols has been displayed along any one of the active pay lines for providing an award. The credit amount display unit 49 is a component for displaying the amount of the coins retained in the slot machine 13 in the form of a credit. The BET amount display unit 50 is a component for displaying the BET amount which is the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines. Each of the display units 48 through 50 comprises a seven segment display device. Alternatively, each of the display units 48 through 50 may be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 in the form of an image.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller 100 of the slot machine 13 including the video reels. Note that a description will be given later regarding the slot machine 13 including the mechanical reels with reference to FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 is a micro computer, and includes an interface circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU 106, ROM 108, RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper driving circuit 124, a display unit driving circuit 128, and a display/input controller 140.

The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input/output bus 104. The input/output bus 104 performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from the CPU 106.

Furthermore, the start switch 25 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The start signal output from the start switch 25 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, and the input signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus 104.

Furthermore, the BET switch 23, the spin repeat bet switch 24, and the cash out switch 26 are connected to the interface circuit group 102. Each of the switching signals output from these switches 23, 24, and 26 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102. The switching signals thus converted are supplied to the input/output bus 104.

Furthermore, a coin sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting the coin inserted into the coin insertion opening 22. The coin sensor 43 is provided in combination with the coin insertion opening 22. The sensing signal output from the coin sensor 43 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102. The sensing signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus 104.

The ROM 108 and the RAM 110 are connected to the input/output bus 104.

Upon reception of the basic game start operation instruction input through the start switch 25, which serves as a trigger, the CPU 106 reads out a basic game program, and executes the basic game. The basic game program has been programmed so as to instruct the CPU 106 to perform the following operation. That is to say, according to the basic game program, the CPU 106 displays an image of the five video reels commencing to scroll the symbols on the five video reels on the liquid crystal display 30 via the display/input controller 140. Then, the CPU 106 displays an image of the five video reels stopping such that the combination of the symbols on these five video reels is rearranged, whereupon a new combination of the symbols is made along the active pay lines. In the case that a particular combination of the symbols for providing an award has been made along any one of the active pay lines when they are stationary, the CPU 106 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to the particular combination for providing the award.

Furthermore, the CPU 106 controls the second game. With such an arrangement, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied after the five video reels have been stopped, the CPU 106 transmits a signal for executing the second game.

The ROM 108 stores: a control program for central control of the slot machine 13; a program for executing a routine shown in FIGS. 18 through 21 (which will be referred to as the “routine execution program” hereafter); initial data for executing the control program; and various data tables used for determination processing. Note that the routine execution program includes the aforementioned basic game program etc. On the other hand, examples of the data tables include tables such as those shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The RAM 110 temporarily stores flags, variables, etc., used for the aforementioned control program.

Furthermore, a communication interface circuit 111 is connected to the input/output bus 104. The communication interface circuit 111 is a circuit for communicating with the central controller 14 etc., via the network 12 including various kinds of networks such as a LAN. With the present embodiment, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the basic game, the CPU 106 switches the game to the second game. In this case, the CPU 106 transmits the second game start signal to the central controller 14 etc., via the communication interface circuit 111. Furthermore, the CPU 106 receives data necessary for displaying the BET screen 70 from the central controller 14 via the communication interface circuit 111, and displays the image of the BET screen 70 on the liquid crystal display 30. Subsequently, with the liquid crystal display 30, the slot machine 13 serves as a terminal which allows the player to place a bet on the second game.

Furthermore, the random number generator 112 for generating a random number is connected to the input/output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a random number in a predetermined range, e.g., a range between 0 and 65535 (2¹⁶−1). Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which the CPU 106 generates a random number by computation.

Furthermore, the display unit driving circuit 128 for driving each of the aforementioned display units 48 through 50 is connected to the input/output bus 104. The CPU 106 controls the operation of each of the aforementioned display units 48 through 50 via the display unit driving circuit 128 according to the occurrence of a predetermined event.

Furthermore, the speaker driving circuit 122 for driving the speaker 41 is connected to the input/output bus 104. The CPU 104 reads out the sound data stored in the ROM 108, and transmits the sound data thus read out to the speaker driving circuit 122 via the input/output bus 104, thereby providing predetermined sound effects generated by the speaker 41.

Furthermore, the hopper driving circuit 124 for driving the hopper 44 is connected to the input/output bus 104. Upon reception of a cash out signal input from the cash out switch 26, the CPU 106 transmits a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 via the input/output bus 104. As a result, the hopper 44 pays out an amount of coins corresponding to the credit remaining at the current point in time, as stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

Furthermore, the display/input controller 140 is connected to the input/output controller 104. The CPU 106 creates an image display command corresponding to the state and results of the game, and outputs the image display command thus created to the display/input controller 140 via the input/output bus 104. Upon reception of the image display command input from the CPU 106, the display/input controller 140 creates a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display 30 according to the image display command thus input, and outputs the driving signal thus created to the liquid crystal display 30. As a result, a predetermined image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display 30. The display/input controller 140 transmits the signal input through the touch panel 32 provided on the liquid crystal display 30 to the CPU 106 via the input/output bus 104 in the form of an input signal.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams which show the configuration of the liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30 displays game images for the basic game and the second game. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display 30 comprises: the front panel 31 including the touch panel 32 and a display plate 33; the transparent liquid crystal panel 34; a light introducing plate 35; a reflecting film 36; fluorescent lamps 37 a, 37 b, 38 a, and 38 b, each of which is a so-called white light source; lamp holders 39 a, 39 b, 39 c, 39 d, 39 e, 39 f, 39 g, and 39 h; and a table carrier package (TCP) on which transparent liquid crystal driving ICs have been mounted. While the structure of the TCP is not shown in particular in either FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the TCP is formed of a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, for example.

The liquid crystal display 30 is provided at a position forward of the display regions of mechanical reels 3A through 3E (forward of the display screen 31 a) such that it covers the mechanical reels 3A through 3E. Here, the mechanical reels 3A through 3E and the liquid crystal display 30 are provided with predetermined intervals. On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement employing the video reels. With such an arrangement, an image of the reels is displayed on the liquid crystal display 30, instead of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E.

The touch panel 32 is formed of a transparent member. The display plate 33 has designs or the like formed at positions corresponding to the regions between the aforementioned display units 48 through 50. That is to say, the region of the display plate 33 where the designs or the like have been formed serves as the design formation area 31 b of the front panel 31. On the other hand, the region of the display plate 33 where no design or the like has been formed serves as the display screen 31 a of the front panel 31 (see FIG. 4). Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which the design formation area 31 b is not formed on the front panel 31, and the entire area of the front panel 31 serves as the display screen 31 a. With such an arrangement, there may be no design formed on the display plate 33. Alternatively, the display plate 33 may be eliminated.

Note that an electric circuit or the like is provided for operating the display units 48 through 50 disposed on the rear face side of the display plate 33, which is not shown in FIG. 6 and in FIG. 7.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 has a structure in which a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate, upon which a thin film transistor layer is formed, and another transparent substrate are mounted so as to face each other with a certain gap between them, and the gap between the substrates is filled with a liquid crystal. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 34 is set to be normally white. The term “normally white” as used here represents a mode in which the liquid crystal panel displays a white image (i.e., allows the player to visually confirm the light passing through the liquid crystal panel toward the side of the display screen) in the state in which the liquid crystal is not driven. As described above, with the present embodiment, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to the normally white state. Such an arrangement allows the player to visually confirm the symbols on the mechanical reels 3A through 3E in a stage when they are in motion and a stage when they are stationary, even if a situation arises in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven, thereby allowing the player to continue the game even if such a situation has occurred. That is to say, even in the case that such an accident has occurred, the player can play the basic game in which predetermined sets of the symbols are made along the active pay lines.

The light introducing plate 35 introduces the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (in other words, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is illuminated). The light introducing plate 35 is provided on the rear face side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, and is formed of a transparent member (having a light introducing function) such as acrylic resin or the like, with a thickness of around 2 cm.

The reflecting film 36 has a structure in which an evaporated silver film is formed on a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film. The reflecting film 36 reflects the light introduced via the light introducing plate 35 toward the front side of the light introducing plate 35. The reflecting film 36 comprises a reflecting region 36A and a non-reflecting region (transmissible region) 36B. Here, the non-reflecting region 36B is formed of a transparent member, and is provided to the region of the front panel 31 that covers the front face of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E.

The fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b are respectively disposed along the upper end and the lower end of the light introducing plate 35, with the ends of the fluorescent lamp 37 a held by the lamp holders 39 a and 39 b, and the ends of the fluorescent lamp 37 b held by the lamp holders 39 g and 39 h. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b are reflected by the reflecting region 36A of the reflecting film 36, thereby illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b are provided at an upper position and a lower position on the rear side of the reflecting film 36 such that they face the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, with the ends of the fluorescent lamp 38 a held by the lamp holders 39 c and 39 d, and the ends of the fluorescent lamp 38 b held by the lamp holders 39 e and 39 f. The light emitted from these fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b is reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, and is input to the non-reflecting region 36 b, thereby illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. As described above, with the liquid crystal display 30, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is illuminated by the light which is emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b and which is reflected by the reflecting region 36A of the reflecting film 36, and by the light which is emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b, which is reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, and which is input to the non-reflecting region 36B. Accordingly, the region of the liquid crystal display 30 that corresponds to the non-reflecting region 36B of the reflecting film 36 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state according to whether or not the liquid crystal is being driven. On the other hand, the region of the liquid crystal display 30 that corresponds to the reflecting region 36A of the reflecting film 36 remains in the opaque state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is being driven.

A description is being given regarding the slot machine 13 in which a part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the entire area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state. With such an arrangement in which the entire area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state, the reflecting film 36 is formed of the non-reflecting region 36B alone. Alternatively, the reflecting film 36 may be eliminated.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 for controlling the mechanical reels. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller of the slot machine 13 is a micro computer, and includes the interface circuit group 102, the input/output bus 104, the CPU 106, the ROM 108, the RAM 110, the communication interface circuit 111, the random number generator 112, the motor driving circuit 120, the speaker driving circuit 122, the hopper driving circuit 124, the display unit driving circuit 128, and the display/input controller 140. Note that the aforementioned controller 100 has the same configuration as that for controlling the video reels described with reference to FIG. 5, except for a part of the configuration. Accordingly, a description will be given regarding only that which differs from an arrangement for controlling the video reels described with reference to FIG. 5.

A reel position detecting circuit 46 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The reel position detecting circuit 46 is a circuit for detecting the rotational position for each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E based upon the pulse signals received from a reel rotational position sensor (not shown). The detection signal output from the reel position detecting circuit 46 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102. The detection signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus 104.

Upon reception of the basic game start operation instruction input through the start switch 25, which serves as a trigger, the CPU 106 reads out a basic game program, and executes the basic game. The basic game program has been programmed so as to instruct the CPU 106 to perform the following operation. That is to say, according to the basic game program, the CPU 106 instructs each of the stepping motors 45A through 45E so as to rotate all the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, thereby commencing the scrolling of the symbols on the reels 3A through 3E. After a period of time has elapsed, the CPU 106 stops the driving of the stepping motors 45A through 45E so as to stop the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, whereupon a new combination of the symbols is made along the active pay lines. In the case that a particular combination of the symbols for providing an award has been made along any one of the active pay lines when they are stationary, the CPU 106 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to the particular combination for providing the award.

Furthermore, the CPU 106 controls the second game. With such an arrangement, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied after the symbols on all the mechanical reels 3A through 3E have been displayed in the stationary state, the CPU 106 transmits a signal for executing the second game.

Furthermore, a motor driving circuit 120 for driving the stepping motors 45A through 45E is connected to the input/output bus 104. Upon an occurrence of a predetermined event, the CPU 106 controls the operation of the stepping motors 45A through 45E via the motor driving circuit 120.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of the display/input controller 140 of the slot machine 13. The display/input controller 140 of the slot machine 13 is a sub-microcomputer for performing image display processing and input control for the touch panel 32. The display/input controller 140 comprises an interface circuit 142, an input/output bus 144, a CPU 146, ROM 148, RAM 150, a VDP 152, video RAM 154, image data ROM 156, a driving circuit 158, and a touch panel control circuit 160.

The interface circuit 142 is connected to the input/output bus 144. The image display command output from the CPU 106 of the aforementioned controller 100 is supplied to the input/output bus 144 via the interface circuit 142. The input/output bus 144 performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from the CPU 146.

Furthermore, the ROM 148 and the RAM 150 are connected to the input/output bus 144. The ROM 148 stores a display control program for generating a driving signal, which is to be supplied to the liquid crystal display 30, according to an image display command received from the CPU 106 of the aforementioned controller 100. On the other hand, the RAM 150 stores flags and variables used in the aforementioned display control program.

Furthermore, the VDP 152 is connected to the input/output bus 144. The VDP 152 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a palette circuit, etc., and can perform various kinds of processing for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 30. With such an arrangement, the components connected to the VDP 152 include: the video RAM 154 for storing image data according to the image display command received from the CPU 106 of the aforementioned controller 100; and the image data ROM 156 for storing various kinds of image data including the aforementioned image data for visual effects, etc. Furthermore, the driving circuit 158 for outputting a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display 30 is connected to the VDP 152.

The aforementioned CPU 146 instructs the video RAM 154 to store the image data which is to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 according to the image display command received from the CPU 106 of the aforementioned controller 100 by reading out the display control program stored in the ROM 148 and by executing the program thus read out. Examples of the image display commands include various kinds of image display commands including the aforementioned image display commands for visual effects etc.

The image data ROM 156 stores various kinds of image data including the aforementioned image data for visual effects, etc.

The touch panel control circuit 160 transmits the signals input via the touch panel 32 provided on the liquid crystal display 30 to the CPU 106 via the input/output bus 144 in the form of an input signal.

FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows the second gaming device 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the second gaming device 11 principally comprises the roulette device 60 and the display 69 for displaying the BET screen 70, including the betting board 71, etc.

The roulette device 60 basically comprises a frame 61 fixed to the second gaming device 11 and a wheel 62 rotatably held and stored within the frame 61. Here, the wheel 62 has a number of number pockets 63 (a total of 38 number pockets in the present embodiment) formed in the shape of recesses on the upper face of the wheel 62. Furthermore, each of the number pockets 63 includes a number display plate 64, which display a number corresponding to the respective number pocket 63 in the form of a design, formed at the outer part of the respective number pocket 63 formed on the upper face of the wheel 62. Such numbers provided at the number pockets 63 include “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”. In other words, a total of 38 number pockets 63 are formed on the wheel 62, each of which has a corresponding number provided from among the numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”.

Furthermore, a ball supply opening 68 is formed within the aforementioned frame 61. Here, a ball supply device (not shown) is connected to the ball supply opening 68, which allows a ball 65 to be supplied onto the wheel 62 from the ball supply opening 68 by driving the ball supply device. Furthermore, the entire area above the roulette board is covered with a transparent acrylic cover member 67 formed in a hemispherical shape (see FIG. 2).

Furthermore, a win determination device (not shown) is provided below the wheel 62. The win determination device is provided for determining which one of the number pockets 63 has received the ball 65. Furthermore, a ball collecting device (not shown) is provided below the wheel 62. The ball collecting device is provided for collecting the ball 65 remaining on the wheel 62 after the game. Note that the ball supply device, the win determination device, and the ball collecting device are known devices, and, accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Here, the frame 61 is formed such that it gently slopes downward toward the inner side, and has a guide wall 66 formed along an intermediate region. The guide wall 66 allows the ball 65 thus supplied to move around the wheel 62 while guiding the ball 65 against its centrifugal force. As the ball 65 loses its centrifugal force due to reduction in its rotational speed, the ball 65 rolls down along the slope of the frame 61, whereupon the ball 65 reaches the rotating wheel 62.

Then, the ball 65 rolling down to the rotating wheel 62 is received by any one among the number pockets 63 through the number display plate 64 provided to outer perimeter of the wheel 62. As a result, the ball 65 is retained in the number pocket 63, and the win determination device detects the number marked on the number display plate 64 that corresponds to the number pocket 63 that has retained the ball 65, thereby determining the winning number.

On the other hand, the display 69 for displaying the BET screen 70 including the betting board 71 is a liquid crystal display, for example. Upon the player betting chips using deposited credits and additional credits by operating the slot machine 13 as described later, the chip value thus bet is displayed. Note that the gaming media such as coins or the like for the slot machine 13 and the second gaming terminal 15 serve as credits for the roulette game in the form of chips. Note that a description is being given regarding an arrangement in which the BET screen 70 is displayed on the display 69. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the BET screen 70 is displayed on a screen using a projector or the like installed on the ceiling such that it faces downward along the vertical direction, instead of the display 69. Such an arrangement permits the anticipation of visual effects that enable the BET screen 70 to be displayed with a greater realism, such as a visual effect in which the chips thus bet are displayed in a three-dimensional manner.

The betting board 71 displayed on the BET screen 70 on the display 69 has numbers that match the 38 kinds of numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” which are displayed in the form of a matrix. Furthermore, special BET areas 73, which allow the player to bet on “odd numbers”, “even numbers”, “the color of the number display plate 64 (red or black)”, “a predetermined range of the numbers (e.g., “1” to “12”)”, are provided in the form of a matrix in the same way.

Furthermore, a result history display unit 72 is displayed on the right side of the betting board 71. The result history display unit 72 displays the results of the winning numbers of the past games up to and including the preceding game in the form of a list. The term “one game” as used here represents a series of stages from a stage in which the player places bets via the slot machine 13, up to a stage in which a credit is paid out according to the winning number after the ball 65 has dropped in the number pocket 63. With such an arrangement, upon completion of one game, a new winning number is added to the top field of the list, which has the capacity to allow the players to confirm the history of the winning numbers of a maximum of 16 games.

Here, the BET area 73 is an area (any one of the squares, each of which has a respective number or mark, or any one of the lines defining the squares) in which the player can place chips via the slot machine 13.

Furthermore, a BET time display unit 74 is provided at an upper portion of the betting board 71. The BET time display unit 74 displays time remaining during which the player can place bets. For example, the BET time display unit 74 displays the time remaining “100” at the time of starting to receive the betting. Then, the time remaining displayed by the BET time display unit 74 is reduced in decrements of 1 for each second. Upon the time remaining becoming zero, the period for receiving bets expires. Furthermore, when the time remaining for receiving bets from the players at the slot machines 13 becomes 5 seconds, the ball 65 is supplied onto the roulette board by driving the ball supply device.

Furthermore, a participation-enabled time display unit 75 is provided on the right side of the BET time display unit 74, which provides a function of displaying the time remaining during which the gaming system permits the players to participate in the second game via the second gaming terminals 15 and the slot machines 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode. With such an arrangement, the participation-enabled time display unit 75 displays the period of time remaining during which the players can participate in the second game via any one of a total of four second gaming terminals 15 and a total of seven slot machines 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode.

Furthermore, chip marks 76 are displayed on the betting board 71, each of which indicates the chip value and the BET area 73 on which the chips have been bet up to the current point in time. Here, the number displayed on the chip mark 76 represents the value of chips thus bet. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the “10” chip mark 76 on the number “7” identified by a double circle indicates that the chips are bet on only a single number “7”. Such a betting method in which a bet is placed on only a single number so as to cover a single number is referred to as “straight bet”. Note that FIG. 10 shows three kinds of betting methods with the chip marks 76. The “10” chip mark 76 identified by a single circle bet on “19 to 36” represents the chip for the basic bet which has been provided without any particular conditions after the slot machine 13 has entered the second game mode. On the other hand, the “10” chip mark 76 identified by a double circle bet on “7” represents the chip for the additional chip placed by the player at the slot machine 13. The gaming system permits the player at the slot machine 13 to place the additional chip after the placement of the basic bet. On the other hand, the “10” chip mark 76 identified by a hatched circle bet on the line between the number “16” and the number “17” represents the chip for the additional bet according to the credit data transmitted from any one of the second gaming terminals 15 and other slot machines 13. The gaming system permits the players at the second gaming terminals 15 and other slot machines 13 to place such a bet after the placement of the basic bet.

Note that the amount of chips for the basic bet is determined beforehand based upon the credit amount in the basic game immediately before the game has been switched to the second game as described later.

Examples of the other betting methods include: “split bet” for placing a bet so as to cover two numbers by locating the chip on the line between the squares of the two numbers; a “street bet” for placing a bet so as to cover three numbers (e.g., “13”, “14”, and “15”) by locating the chip at the edge of the row of the numbers (any one of the rows along the vertical direction in FIG. 10); a “corner bet” for placing a bet so as to cover four numbers (e.g., “5”, “6”, “8”, and “9”) by locating the chip at the intersection of the lines defining the squares of four numbers; a “five bet” for placing a bet so as to cover five numbers “0”, “00”, “1”, “2”, and “3” by locating the chip on the line between the squares of the numbers “00” and “3”; a “line bet” for placing a bet so as to cover six numbers (e.g., “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17”, and “18”) by locating the chip at the end of the line between the two rows of the numbers (two rows along the vertical direction in FIG. 10); a “dozen bet” for placing a bet so as to cover twelve numbers by locating the chip at any one of the squares having respective marks of “1st 12”, “2nd 12”, and “3rd 12”; and a “column bet” for placing a bet so as to cover twelve numbers by locating the chip at any one of the squares each of which has a mark of “2 to 1”. In addition, examples of other betting methods include: a “red/black bet” for placing a bet on the color (“red” or “black”) of the number display plate 64; an “even/odd bet” for placing a bet on whether the number is an odd number or an even number; and a “low/high bet” for placing a bet on whether the number will be 18 or less, or will be 19 or more, so as to cover eighteen numbers, using one of six squares provided at the lower end of the betting board 71. Here, there is a difference in the payout amount (payout rate) for each chip among the aforementioned betting methods, which is employed for the payout after the player has won the bet.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller 200 of the central controller 14. As shown in FIG. 11, the central controller 14 comprises the controller 200 of the central controller 14 and several peripheral devices. Furthermore, the multiple slot machines 13 (eight slot machines in the present embodiment) and the multiple second gaming terminals 15 (four second gaming terminals in the present embodiment) are connected to the central controller 14 via a communication interface circuit 212 of the central controller 14.

Furthermore, the controller 200 of the central controller 14 includes an input/output bus 204, a CPU 206, ROM 208, RAM 210, a communication interface circuit 212, a timer 214, a floor driving circuit 216, a gaming controller 218, and a display controller 220.

The ROM 208 and the RAM 210 are connected to the input/output bus 204.

The CPU 206 performs various kinds of processing according to an input signal supplied from each of the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15, and data and programs stored in the ROM 208 and the RAM 210. Furthermore, the CPU 206 transmits command signals to the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15 based upon the results of the processing thus performed. Thus, the CPU 206 centrally controls each of the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15, thereby advancing the game. Furthermore, the input/output bus 204 is connected to the second gaming device 11 via the gaming controller 218. The CPU 206 drives unshown driving motors provided to the roulette device 60 of the second gaming device 11, thereby allowing the ball 65 to be supplied, and allowing the wheel 62 to be rotated. Furthermore, the CPU 206 controls the win determination device for identifying the position at which the ball 65 has dropped. This allows the winning number to be determined based upon the position at which the ball 65 has dropped. The CPU 206 makes a win determination for each bet chip based upon the winning number thus obtained, and the bet information transmitted from each of the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15. Furthermore, the CPU 206 calculates the credit amount which is to be paid out at each of the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15.

The ROM 208 comprises semiconductor memory or the like, for example. The ROM 208 stores a program for providing basic functions of the second gaming device 11, a program for centrally controlling each of the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15. Examples of such programs include a program shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Furthermore, the ROM 208 stores the payout rate for the roulette game (the credit amount for each chip to be paid out to a winning player).

Specifically, the ROM 208 includes a payout credit storage area (not shown) for storing each payout rate with respect to the roulette game using the BET screen 70. Note that each payout rate that corresponds to a respective BET area 73 of the BET screen 70 is determined beforehand and stored in the payout credit storage area. Examples of such payout rates include from “×2” to “×36”, which are associated with the kind of betting method (“straight bet”, “corner bet”, “split bet”, etc.) as described later with reference to the second game payout table in FIG. 16.

On the other hand, the RAM 210 temporarily stores bet information with respect to the chips supplied from the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15, the winning number of the roulette device 60 determined by the win determination device, and the results of the processing executed by the CPU 206, etc.

Specifically, the RAM 210 includes: a bet information storage area for storing bet information with respect to the players who are playing; and a winning number storage area for storing the winning number of the roulette device 60 determined by the win determination device. Note that, more specifically, the term “bet information” as used here represents the information with respect to each bet placed using the slot machine 13 and the second gaming terminals 15, such as the information with respect to the BET area 73 specified via the BET screen 70, the amount of chips thus bet (bet amount), the betting method, etc.

The timer 214 for performing time measurement is connected to the input/output bus 204. The time information supplied from the timer 214 is transmitted to the CPU 206 via the input/output bus 204. The CPU 206 rotates the wheel 62 and supplies the ball 65 based upon the time information received from the timer 214. Furthermore, the CPU 206 performs switching control based upon the time information from the timer 214, which switches the mode between a mode that permits the players to transmit credit data for the additional bets and a mode that does not permit such a bet via the second gaming terminals 15 and the other slot machines 13 that have not entered the second game mode, as described later.

Furthermore, the floor driving circuit 216 is connected to the input/output bus 204. Upon reception of a signal for starting the second game from the slot machine 13, the CPU 206 performs control so as to raise the movable floor 18 via the floor driving circuit 216. Also, upon reception of a signal for ending the second game from the slot machine 13, the CPU 206 performs control so as to lower the movable floor 18 via the floor driving circuit 216.

Furthermore, the display controller 220 is connected to the input/output bus 204. The CPU 206 performs various kinds of processing based upon the data and programs stored in the ROM 208 and the RAM 210. The CPU 206 controls the monitor 16 and displays images based upon the results of the processing thus performed.

Furthermore, the movable viewpoint cameras 17 are connected to the input/output bus 204. The CPU 206 performs various kinds of processing based upon the data and programs stored in the ROM 208 and the RAM 210. The CPU 206 controls the movable viewpoint cameras 17 and captures images based upon the results of the processing thus performed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view which shows the second gaming terminal 15. As shown in FIG. 12, the second gaming terminal 15 includes at least: a coin insertion opening 91 which allows the player to insert a gaming medium such as a coin or the like; a control unit 92 comprising multiple control buttons etc., which allows the player to input instructions in a predetermined form; and a display 93 for displaying an image with respect to the game. The display 93 serves as a terminal which allows the player to place bets. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows the player to advance the game in progress by operating a touch panel 99, the control unit 92, etc., while viewing the image displayed on the display 93. Note that the gaming medium used at the second gaming terminal 15 is not restricted to coins.

Furthermore, a coin tray 94 is provided on the side wall of the cabinet 90 included in each second gaming terminal 15. Furthermore, a speaker 95 for providing music, sound effects, etc., is provided on the upper-right side of the display 93 of each second gaming terminal 15.

Furthermore, a coin sensor 314 (see FIG. 13) is provided within the coin insertion opening 91, which allows the gaming medium such as a coin thus inserted into the coin insertion opening 91 to be identified, and allows the coins to be counted. Furthermore, a hopper 319 (see FIG. 13) is provided within the coin tray 94, which allows a predetermined number of coins to be paid out from the coin tray 94.

As described above, the second gaming terminal 15 employing the touch panel 99 improves the ease of operability for the user. Thus, such an arrangement allows other players in the amusement facility to comfortably participate in the roulette game using the second gaming terminals 15.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller 300 of the second gaming terminal 15. As shown in FIG. 13, the second gaming terminal 15 comprises the controller 300 of the second gaming terminal 15 and several peripheral devices.

The controller 300 includes an interface circuit group 302, an input/output bus 304, a CPU 306, ROM 308, RAM 310, a liquid crystal driving circuit 316, a hopper driving circuit 318, and a sound output circuit 320.

The interface circuit group 302 is connected to the input/output bus 304. The input/output bus 304 performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from the CPU 306.

A BET determining button 96, a cash out button 97, and a help button 98, each of which is provided for the control unit 92 (see FIG. 12), are connected to the interface circuit group 302. The operation signal output from each of these buttons is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 302, and the signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus 304. The CPU 306 performs control so as to execute various kinds of corresponding operations based upon the operation signals which are each output by pushing a corresponding button, and which are supplied via the input/output bus 304.

Furthermore, the coin sensor 314 is connected to the interface circuit group 302 connected to the CPU 306 via the input/output bus 304. The coin sensor 314 detects the coins inserted into the coin insertion opening 91 (see FIG. 12), counts the coins thus inserted, and transmits the results to the CPU 306. Then, the CPU 306 increments the credit amount which has been deposited by the player, and which is stored in the RAM 310, according to the signal thus transmitted.

Furthermore, the ROM 308 and the RAM 310 are connected to the input/output bus 304.

The CPU 306 receives the command signals from the CPU 206 included within the controller 200 of the central controller 14 via the communication interface circuit 312 connected to the input/output bus 304. The CPU 306 controls the peripheral devices, which are components of the second gaming terminal 15, according to the command signals, thereby advancing the roulette game via the second gaming terminal 15. The CPU 306 performs various kinds of processing based upon the input signals supplied from the control unit 92 according to the operation instructions input by the player, and the data and the programs stored in the ROM 308 and the RAM 310, depending upon the type of processing. Then, the CPU 306 transmits a signal based upon the results to the CPU 206 included within the controller 200 of the aforementioned central controller 14 via the communication interface circuit 312, and controls the peripheral devices which are components of the second gaming terminal 15, thereby advancing the roulette game on the second gaming terminal 15.

The ROM 308 comprises semiconductor memory or the like, for example. The ROM 308 stores a program for providing basic functions of the second gaming terminal 15, various kinds of programs, data tables, etc., necessary for controlling the second gaming terminal 15. Examples of such programs include a program shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, and FIG. 21. On the other hand, the RAM 310 is memory for temporarily storing various kinds of data computed by the CPU 306, the credit amount possessed by the player at the current point in time (credit amount deposited in the second gaming terminal 15), etc.

Furthermore, the hopper driving circuit 318 is connected to the input/output bus 304. The hopper 319 connected to the controller 300 via the hopper driving circuit 318 pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin tray 94 (see FIG. 12) according to a command signal received from the CPU 306.

Furthermore, the display 93 is connected to the input/output bus 304 via the liquid crystal driving circuit 316. Here, the liquid crystal driving circuit 316 comprises program ROM, image ROM, an image control CPU, a working RAM, a VDP (video display processor), video RAM, etc., which are not shown. Here, the program ROM stores an image control program with respect to the display functions of the display 93, and various kinds of selection tables. The image ROM stores dot data for creating an image to be displayed on the display 93, for example. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the display 93 from among the dot data sets stored beforehand in the image ROM according to the image control program stored beforehand in the program ROM based upon the parameters set by the CPU 306. The working RAM is configured so as to serve as temporary storage device, which are used by the image control CPU for executing the aforementioned image control program. The VDP is a component for creating an image that accords with the display contents determined by the image control CPU, and for outputting the image thus created to the display 93. Note that the video RAM is configured as temporary storage device used by the VDP for creating an image.

Furthermore, the touch panel 99 is mounted at the front face of the display 93 as described above. The operation information input via the touch panel 99 is transmitted to the CPU 306 via the input/output bus 304. The touch panel 99 allows the player to perform participation processing via the screen displayed on the display 93 described later with reference to FIG. 26. Specifically, upon pushing a transmission button 82 via the touch panel 99 as described later with reference to FIG. 26, the information corresponding to the button thus pushed is transmitted to the CPU 306. Then, the additional bet information (the chip amount for the additional bet) is stored in the RAM 310 based upon the information thus received for each player. Furthermore, the additional bet information is transmitted to the CPU 206 of the central controller 14, and is stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM 210.

Furthermore, the sound output circuit 320 and the speaker 95 are connected to the input/output bus 304. Here, the speaker 95 is a component for providing various kinds of sound effects according to the output signal received from the sound output circuit 320.

FIG. 14 shows a basic game random number table used in the basic game performed by the slot-machine 13 described later with reference to FIG. 18. In the basic game random number table, a range of random numbers and the probability of winning are registered in association with each of the particular winning combinations. Accordingly, in the combination determination processing (Step S5 shown in FIG. 18), in the case that a random number extracted from a range of numbers between “0” to “65535” is any one of the numbers in a range between “0” to “999”, for example, the internal component of the slot machine 13 generates a particular combination for providing a “BONUS” winning which is the final result of the basic game. In other words, the probability is “1000/65536” that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches a particular combination for providing the “BONUS” winning. Also, in the case that a random number extracted from a range of numbers between “0” to “65535” is any one of the numbers in a range between “2000” to “3499”, for example, the internal component of the slot machine 13 generates a particular combination for providing a “K” winning as the final result of the basic game. In other words, the probability is “1500/65536” that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches a particular combination for providing the “K” winning. On the other hand, in the case that a random number extracted from a range of numbers between “0” to “65535” is any one of the numbers in a range between “10000” to “65535”, the internal component of the slot machine 13 determines to generate other combinations, i.e., losing combinations, as the final results of the basic game. In other words, the probability is “55536/65536” that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches any one of the losing combinations.

FIG. 15 shows a basic game payout table used in the basic game described later with reference to FIG. 18. In the basic game payout table, the coin amount to be paid out is registered in association with each particular combination for providing an award for each credit amount bet on one game. Let us consider a stage in which a determination is made for whether or not the combination thus generated matches any one of the particular combinations for providing an award. In this stage, let us consider the case in which the combination thus generated matches the combination “K”. In this case, in the case that the credit amount bet is “1”, 10 coins are paid out. In the case that the credit amount bet is “2”, 20 coins are paid out. In the case that the credit amount bet is “3”, 30 coins are paid out. On the other hand, let us consider the case in which the combination thus generated matches the combination “BONUS”. In this case, coins are not paid out, and the credit data that corresponds to the credit amount thus bet is transmitted to the central controller 14. The credit data thus transmitted is available as credit in the second game described later. For example, in the case that the credit amount bet is “1” in the basic game at the slot machine 13, “10” chips are available in the second game. Also, in the case that the credit amount bet is “2”, “20” chips are available in the second game. In the case that the credit amount bet is “3”, “30” chips are available in the second game.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a second game payout table used with the roulette game described later with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. This second game payout table shows that in the event that betting is to be performed with no more than the possible credits on transition from the basic game of the slot machine 13 to the second game, there is no additional betting. In this case, the gaming system permits the player to place only the basic bet on only one position. That is to say, the betting methods thus permitted include: “straight bet”, “red/black”; “even/odd”; and “low/high”. The range of permissible betting methods is expanded according to the number of additional bets, and further, multiple bets are also permitted. For example, in the event that seven additional bets have been made at the slot machine 13, the table shows that the betting methods in the column “6 or more” to the far right in FIG. 16 can be made, which allows the player to use any of the betting methods from the sixth bet on. Furthermore, the payout rate in the event of winning is also registered therein. For example, the rate in the event of placing a “corner bet” is “×9”. Note that the credits ultimately paid out from the slot machine 13 are calculated by multiplying the number of credits bet by the rate determined beforehand based on the betting methods shown in FIG. 16, and further multiplied by the rate determined according to the number of additional bets made with regard to the slot machine 13 shown later in FIG. 17. All figures are rounded down to the nearest decimal.

It should be noted that the arrangement shown in FIG. 16 is but an example of the present embodiment, and that the payout rates regarding the BET areas 73 on the BET screen 70 stored in the payout credit storage area may be different from those shown in FIG. 16.

A description has been given regarding an arrangement which permits the player to increases the betting methods by placing the basic bet that can be placed as a result of transition from the basic game of the slot machine 13 to the second game, and the additional bets that can be placed after the placement of the basic bet. With such an arrangement, in the event of additional bets being placed, multiple bets are permitted. Also, another arrangement may be made in which the number of multiple bets which can be placed is restricted according to the number of additional bets placed.

As with the second game payout table shown in FIG. 16, the payout rate for the roulette game is set relatively high, so a high payout can be anticipated depending on how the player bets.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a second game payout determination table used with the roulette game described later with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. With this second game payout determination table, the payout in the case of winning the second game is changed according to the number of additional bets at the slot machine 13. For example, in the event that a player of the slot machine 13 plays a game with only a basic bet which is the possible amount of credits on transition to the second game, and wins, the number of credits won is multiplied by a rate determined according to the betting method as shown in FIG. 16, and also by a weighting rate determined in FIG. 17, which is “×0.8” at the top row, due to no additional bets at the slot machine 13. To give a specific example, if we say that the number of credits bet in the basic game at the slot machine 13 is 1, and then 10 chips, which is the number of chips usable, are bet on a “straight bet” and the player wins, the number of chips, which is 10, is multiplied by the “straight bet” rate “×36” as shown in FIG. 16, and then further multiplied by the weighting rate “×0.8”, so a total of 288 chips is paid as credits.

Also, in the event that the second gaming terminal 15 has provided 10 chips as credit data to the slot machine 13 as additional bets, and a bet based upon this has won, the number of chips bet is multiplied by a rate according to the betting method as shown in FIG. 16, and weighting determined according to additional betting, yielding the number of chips which are given to the slot machine 13 and second gaming terminal 15 as credits. More specifically, if we say that the second gaming terminal 15 provides credit data of 10 credits to the slot machine 13 and the 10 chips are bet on a “split bet”, the number of additional bets is 1 if there are no additional bets. Accordingly, looking at the table in FIG. 17, we can see that weighting for the second gaming terminal 15 for additional bets of 1 through 5 is found at the second row from the bottom, which gives a rate of “×0.2” for the slot machine 13 and “×1.2” for the second gaming terminal 15. In this case, the slot machine 13 is given 36 chips as credits, calculated by multiplying the 10 chips by the “split bet” rate of “×18” and the above “×0.2”. On the other hand, the second gaming terminal 15 is given 216 chips as credits, calculated by multiplying the 10 chips by the “split bet” rate of “×18” and the above “×1.2”. Note that while FIG. 17 shows weighting being classified into a total of five patterns according to the number of additional bets at the slot machine 13 and the second gaming terminal 15, the embodiment is not restricted to this arrangement. Furthermore, an arrangement is described wherein the number of chips paid upon winning are calculated based on the number of bets made at the provider of the chips among the slot machine 13 and the second gaming terminal 15, but an arrangement may be made instead where the total number of chips won is distributed regardless of the provider.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows the flow of the processing of the slot machine 13 in the basic game, which is executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine 13. The processing is executed by calling a sub-program from a main program for the slot machine 13 at a predetermined timing.

A description will be given below regarding the case in which the slot machine 13 has been activated beforehand. Furthermore, let us say that the variables used by the CPU 106 included in the aforementioned controller 100 have been initialized to predetermined values, thereby operating the slot machine 13 in a normal state.

First, the CPU 106 included in the aforementioned controller 100 determines whether or not any credits as coins inserted by the player are remaining (Step S1). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the credit amount C stored in the RAM 110, and performs processing based upon the credit amount C thus read out. In the case that the credit amount C is “0” (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S1), the CPU 106 cannot start the game, and accordingly, the CPU 106 ends this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, in the case that the credit amount C is “1” or more (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S1), the CPU 106 determines that there are credits remaining, and the flow proceeds to Step S2.

In the following Step S2, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the spin repeat bet switch 24 has been pushed. In the case that the spin repeat bet switch 24 has been pushed, and accordingly, in the case that the operation signal has been input from the spin repeat bet switch 24 (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S2), the flow proceeds to Step S12 according to the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other hand, in the case that the operation signal has not been input from the spin repeat bet switch 24 within a predetermined period of time (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S2), the CPU 106 determines that the spin repeat bet switch 24 has not been pushed, and the flow proceeds to Step S3.

In the following Step S3, the CPU 106 sets the game conditions. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines the amount of coins bet on the active pay lines in this game. The CPU 106 receives the operation signals generated by the player operating the BET switch 23. Then, the CPU 106 determines the BET amount to be bet on the active pay lines based upon the number of times the signals that indicate operation of the BET switch 23 have been received, and stores the BET amount thus determined in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads out the credit amount C stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and subtracts the total BET amount, which is the sum of the aforementioned BET amounts, from the credit amount C thus read out. Then, the CPU 106 stores the subtracted value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S4 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.

In the following Step S4, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start switch 25 is ON, i.e., waits for the start switch 35 to be operated. Upon the start switch 25 being operated, and accordingly, upon the operation signal being input from the start switch 25 (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S4), the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 25 has been operated, and the flow proceeds to Step S5.

On the other hand, in the case that the flow has proceeded to Step S12, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet on the previous game. In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the player can start the game by pushing the spin repeat bet switch 24. Specifically, in the case that the spin repeat bet switch 24 has been pushed, and accordingly, in the case that the operation signal has been input from the aforementioned switch 24, the CPU 106 reads out the credit amount C and the BET amount bet on each of the active pay lines L1 to L9 in the previous game stored in the predetermined memory areas of the aforementioned RAM 110. Then, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the aforementioned credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet in the previous game based upon the relation between the credit amount C and the BET amount thus read out. In the case that determination has been made that the aforementioned credit amount C is less than the total bet amount bet on the previous game (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S12), the CPU 106 cannot start the game, and accordingly, the CPU 106 ends this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the aforementioned credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet in the previous game (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S12), the CPU 106 subtracts the total bet amount bet in the previous game from the aforementioned credit amount C, and stores the subtracted value in a predetermined area of the RAM 110. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S5 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.

In the following Step S5, the CPU 106 performs combination determination processing. A specific description will be given below regarding the combination determination processing.

In the aforementioned combination determination processing, first, the CPU 106 determines the combinations of the symbols along the aforementioned active pay lines when they are stationary. Specifically, the CPU 106 issues a command for the random number generator 112 to generate a random number, thereby extracting a random number in a predetermined range (in a range of “0” to “65535” in the present embodiment) generated by the random number generator 112. The CPU 106 stores the random number thus extracted in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Note that a description is being given in the present embodiment regarding an arrangement in which the random number is generated by the random number generator 112, which is a separate component from the aforementioned CPU 106. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the random number is generated by computation processing by the CPU 106 without involving the random number generator 112. The CPU 106 reads out a basic game random number table (see FIG. 14), and a particular combination table (not shown) for providing an award, each of which is stored in the ROM 108. Then, the CPU 106 stores the basic game random number table and the particular combination table thus read out in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Note that the CPU 106 controls display of the symbols when they are stationary for each reel based upon the aforementioned basic game random number table. Furthermore, the CPU 106 reads out the basic game random number table and the particular combination table for providing an award stored in the predetermined area of the aforementioned RAM 110. Then, the CPU 106 determines the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the aforementioned active pay lines with reference to the aforementioned basic game random number table, using the random number stored in the predetermined memory area of the aforementioned RAM 110 as a parameter. Upon determination of particular combinations for providing an award, the CPU 106 stores the particular combination data for providing an award thus determined in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Then, the CPU 106 reads out the random number and the particular combination data for providing an award stored in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and determines the combination of the symbols to be displayed when they are stationary based upon the random number and the particular combination data for providing an award thus read out. In this stage, a symbol disposition table (not shown) stored in the ROM 108 is read out by the CPU 106. The symbol disposition table thus read out is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and used as reference data. The CPU 106 stores the data for the stationary symbols thus determined in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which the symbols when they are stationary are determined for each reel using the aforementioned basic game random number table.

Upon determination of the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the aforementioned active pay lines, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one of the particular combinations for providing an award. In the case that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one of the particular combinations for providing an award, the CPU 106 activates a flag, which indicates that the player has won the award that corresponds to the kind of particular combination for providing an award, in order to provide the award that accords with the particular combination of symbols with respect to the active pay lines for providing the award. The activated flag, which indicates the player has won an award, is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 110 according to the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other hand, in the case that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one of the other combinations, i.e., the losing combinations, the CPU 106 does not activate the flag which indicates that the player has won an award. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S6 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.

In the following Step S6, the CPU 106 instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E to start to rotate. Specifically, the CPU 106 instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, in order or at the same time, based upon the symbol disposition table stored in the aforementioned RAM 110. Let us consider an arrangement in which each slot machine 13 employs video reels. With such an arrangement, the CPU 106 displays an image of the five video reels starting to rotate.

On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which each slot machine 13 employs mechanical reels. With such an arrangement, after the mechanical reels 3A through 3E have started to rotate according to the instruction from the CPU 106, the CPU 106 counts the number of driving pulses transmitted to each of the stepping motors 45A through 45E, and the counted numbers are stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Furthermore, a reset pulse is acquired upon each rotation of each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E. The reset pulses of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E are input to the CPU 106 via the reel position detecting circuit 46. Each driving pulse counted value stored in the aforementioned RAM 110 is cleared to “0” according to the corresponding reset pulse thus acquired. With such an arrangement, the counted value, which corresponds to the rotational position in a range of one cycle of the reel, is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 for each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E. In the symbol disposition table stored in the aforementioned RAM 110, the rotational positions of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E and the symbols on the mechanical reels 3A through 3E are stored in association with one another. Before the CPU 106 refers to the symbol disposition table, the CPU 106 makes a combination of the code number assigned to each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, in increments of predetermined rotational pitches of the reels, and the symbol code that indicates the symbol assigned to each code number, with the particular rotational position at which the aforementioned reset pulse has been generated as the reference position.

Upon the mechanical reels 3A through 3E starting to rotate, the CPU 106 waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse (Step S7). After the predetermined period of time has elapsed (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S7), the CPU 106 instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E to automatically stop rotating (Step S8). Specifically, the CPU 106 instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E to stop rotating in order or at the same time such that the symbols when they are stationary, which correspond to the particular combinations for providing an award determined in the aforementioned Step S5, are displayed within a display region that has a visually interactive relationship with the player. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S9 according to the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which each slot machine 13 employs video reels. With such an arrangement, the CPU 106 waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse (Step S7). Then, after the predetermined period of time has elapsed (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S7), the CPU 106 displays an image of the five video reels stopping to rotate (Step S8).

In the following Step S9, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a predetermined symbol combination has been formed based upon the results of the combination determination processing performed in Step S5. Specifically, the CPU 106 makes this determination based upon the state of the flag that indicates whether or not the player has won an award with respect to the active pay lines stored in the predetermined memory area of the aforementioned RAM 110. In the case that the flag, which indicates that the player has won an award, has not been activated, i.e., in the case that the symbol combination matches any one of the “other” combinations, which are combinations other than the particular combinations for providing an award (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S9), the CPU 106 determines that the particular combination for providing an award has not been formed, and ends this routine. On the other hand, in the case that the flag, which indicates that the player has won an award, has been activated, i.e., in the case that the symbol combination matches any one of the combinations other than the “other” combinations (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S9), the flow proceeds to Step 10 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.

In the following Step S10, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the particular combination for providing an award is “BONUS”. The term “BONUS” as used here represents a symbol combination in which “BONUS” designs are arranged along the active pay line as described later with reference to FIG. 22. In the present embodiment, in the case that the “BONUS” combination has been formed, the second game starts. The CPU 106 makes this determination based upon the particular combination data for providing an award stored in the predetermined memory area of the aforementioned RAM 110. In the case that the particular combination data for providing an award does not match the “BONUS” combination (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S10), the CPU 106 determines that the “BONUS” combination has not been formed with respect to the particular combination data for providing an award, and the flow proceeds to step S13 according to the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other hand, in the case that the particular combination data for providing an award matches the “BONUS” combination (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S10), the CPU 106 determines that the “BONUS” combination has been formed with respect to the particular combination data for providing an award, and the flow proceeds to step S11 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.

In the following Step S11, the CPU 106 performs second game processing described later with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. Specifically, the CPU 106 transmits a second game start signal to the central controller 14. After the second game processing, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

On the other hand, in the case that the flow has proceeded to Step S13, the CPU 106 pays out an amount of coins corresponding to the aforementioned particular combination for providing an award. Specifically, the CPU 106 calculates the amount of coins to be paid out for the aforementioned particular combination for providing an award using the basic game payout table as a reference table as described above with reference to FIG. 15. The CPU 106 reads out the credit amount stored in the aforementioned predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Then, the CPU 106 calculates the sum total amount of coins to be paid out thus calculated and the credit amount thus read out, and stores the sum thus calculated in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 displays the aforementioned value thus stored on the credit amount display unit 49. Subsequently, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts which show the processing flow in the second game performed by the gaming system 10. A description will be given regarding a second game processing program for the slot machine 13 executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 13, a second game processing program for the central controller 14 executed by the CPU 206 of the central controller 14, and a second game processing program for the second gaming terminal 15 executed by the CPU 306 of the second gaming terminal 15, in that order, with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. Note that each of the programs shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 19A and 19B are stored in the ROM 108 and the RAM 110 included in the slot machine 13, the ROM 208 and the RAM 210 included in the central controller 14, and the ROM 308 and the RAM 310 included in the second gaming terminal 15. Also, these programs are executed by the CPU 106 included in the slot machine 13, the CPU 206 included in the central controller 14, and the CPU 306 included in the second gaming terminal 15.

First, description will be given regarding the second game processing program for the slot machine 13 with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. In Step S101 shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 106 transmits a second game start signal to the central controller 14. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S102 according to the instruction from the CPU 106. Here, the second game start signal includes at least: the data which allows the slot machine 13 to be identified; the credit amount bet on the “BONUS” combination being formed in the basic game; and the information with respect to the active pay lines.

In Step S102, the CPU 106 performs betting processing described later with reference to FIG. 20.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 receives the credit payout results transmitted from the CPU 206 of the central controller 14 (Step S103 in FIG. 19B). Note that the credit payout results match the payout results obtained according to whether or not the player has won the roulette game executed via the BET screen 70. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S104 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.

In Step S104, the CPU 106 pays out the credit according to the payout results received in Step S103. Specifically, the credit data is stored in the RAM 110 corresponding to the amount of the payout from the roulette game. In the case that there are any credits remaining in the roulette game, the CPU 106 reads out the credit amount which is stored in a predetermined memory area for the basic game. Furthermore, the CPU 106 calculates the sum of the credit amount thus read out and the credit data which corresponds to the payout for the roulette game and which is stored in the RAM 110. Then, the CPU 106 stores the sum in a predetermined memory area in the RAM 110, and displays the sum on the credit amount display unit 49 of the slot machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 106 ends this routine. That is to say, the second game ends according to the instruction from the slot machine 13, whereupon the roulette game ends.

As described above, in the case that the player has won the payout in the roulette game, the credit that has increased by the amount of the payout is added to the coins for the slot machine 13, at the point that the roulette game ends. Such an arrangement allows the player to use the payout from the roulette game in the form of coins for the basic game after the second game. This provides a closer relation between the basic game and the second game, thereby improving the amusement value of the game provided by the overall gaming system 10.

Note that an arrangement may be made in which, in the case that the player has won the payout in the roulette game, the player can continue and play the roulette game that is a second game using the payout. In this case, the CPU 106 transmits a second game start signal to the central controller 14 as shown in Step S101 after the payout processing shown in Step S104.

Next, description will be given regarding the second game processing program for the central controller 14 with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B.

In Step S201 shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 206 receives a second game start signal transmitted in the aforementioned Step S101 from the CPU 106 of the slot machine 13. Upon reception of the second game start signal, the CPU 206 stores the second game start signal thus received in the RAM 210. Furthermore, the CPU 206 raises the movable floor 18 on which the slot machine 13 that has transmitted the second game start signal and the seat 57 have been installed. Furthermore, the CPU 206 displays an image on the large-size monitor 16 which provides notice of the start of the second game. With such an arrangement, the movable floor 18 on which the slot machine 13 has been installed is raised, and a second game start message is displayed on the large-size monitor 16. This notifies other persons in the amusement facility of the start of the second game, in addition to the players at the other slot machines 13. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S202 according to the instruction from the CPU 206.

In Step S202, the CPU 206 transmits a second game start signal to other slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals 15. By the CPU 206 transmitting the second game start signal to the other slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals 15, other players can participate in the roulette game using the other slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals 15. While the following description with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B will be made regarding an arrangement wherein the second gaming terminal 15 is a terminal which participates in the roulette game, the processing flow for other slot machines 13 is basically the same. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step S203.

In Step S203, the CPU 206 starts timing the betting period, which is the period in which the player at the slot machine 13 can place bets, from the point in time that a second game start signal is transmitted from the slot machine 13. In this bet period, the player at a slot machine 13 participating in the game can operate the touch panel 32 of the liquid crystal display 30 to bet his/her own chips on the BET area 73 in correlation to the player's predicted number. Also, the CPU 206 starts timing the participation period, which is the period in which the players of a second gaming terminal 15 can participate in the second game, from the point in time that the second game start signal is transmitted from the slot machine 13. In this participation period, the player at a second gaming terminal 15 participating in the game can deposit a coin from the coin insertion opening 91 and operate the touch panel 99 of the display 93 to transmit credit data to the central controller 14 so as to relegate betting thereof to the slot machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the processing to Step S204.

In Step S204, the CPU 206 receives the credit data transmitted from the second gaming terminal 15. Furthermore, the CPU 206 transmits the credit data received from the second gaming terminal 15 to the slot machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the processing to Step S205.

In Step S205, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the participation period has ended. Note that the period wherein participation is allowed is displayed on the display 93 of the second gaming terminals 15, and also on the BET screen 70 of the second gaming device 11 by a participation-enabled time display unit 75 (see FIG. 10). In the event that a determination is made that the participation period has not yet ended (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S205), the CPU 206 returns the flow to Step S204, and credit data is received from the second gaming terminal 15 until the participation period expires. On the other hand, in the event that a determination is made that the participation period has ended (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S205), the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step S206.

In Step S206, the CPU 206 transmits a participation period end signal to the CPU 306 of the second gaming terminal 15, and subsequently the flow proceeds to Step S207.

In Step S207, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the time remaining in the betting period has become 5 seconds. Note that the time remaining in the betting period is also displayed on the BET time display unit 74 provided at the BET screen 70 of the second gaming device 11 (see FIG. 10). In the case that determination has been made that the time remaining in the betting period has not reached 5 seconds (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S207), the CPU 206 repeatedly performs the processing in Step S207 in order to wait for the time remaining in the betting period to become 5 seconds. On the other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the time remaining in the betting period has become 5 seconds (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S207), the flow proceeds to Step S208 according to the instruction from the CPU 206.

In Step S208, the CPU 206 supplies the ball 65 to the inner portion of the roulette board. Specifically, first, the CPU 206 drives the ball supply device so as to supply the ball 65 to the inner portion of the roulette board, whereby the roulette device 60 performs the number determination processing according to the game execution program. More specifically, after the ball 65 is supplied, the CPU 206 further drives the driving motor such that the wheel 62 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed in the direction opposite to the ball supply direction. The ball 65 thus supplied rolls onto the roulette board along the guide wall 66. Subsequently, as the ball 65 loses its centrifugal force due to reduction in its rotational speed, the ball 65 rolls down along the slope of the frame 61, whereupon the ball 65 reaches the rotating wheel 62 (see FIG. 10).

Then, the ball 65 rolling down to the rotating wheel 62 is received by any one among the number pockets 63 through the number display plate 64 provided to outer perimeter of the wheel 62, which is still rotating. As a result, the number marked on the number display plate 64 that corresponds to the number pocket 63 retaining the ball 65 (any one of the numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” shown in FIG. 10) is determined to be a winning number.

Furthermore, upon the supply of the ball 65 to the inner portion of the roulette board, the CPU 206 instructs the movable viewpoint cameras 17 to capture images of the roulette device 60, and displays the images thus captured on the monitor 16. Such an arrangement allows the players to visually confirm the stage in which the winning number is determined in the roulette game by viewing the monitor 16 without the need to monitor the second gaming device 11. Note that an arrangement may be made in which the screen displayed on the monitor 16 is divided into multiple parts as necessary, and both the roulette device 60 and the BET screen 70 are displayed on the monitor 16.

Subsequently, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the betting period has expired (Step S209 in FIG. 19B). In the case that determination has been made that the betting period has not expired (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S209), the CPU 206 repeatedly performs the processing in Step S209 in order to wait for the betting period to expire. On the other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the betting period has expired (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S209), the CPU 206 transmits a betting period end signal, which provides notice that the betting period has expired, to the CPU 106 of each slot machine 13 (Step S210).

Though not illustrated in the drawings in particular, the CPU 206 receives bet information data from the slot machine 13 as it arrives, up to the point that the betting period end signal is transmitted, and whether or not bets match betting methods corresponding to the second game payout table conditions stored in the ROM 208 is checked. Specifically, whether or not a betting method is permissible is checked based on information received from the slot machine 13 regarding a bet which a player has made at the slot machine 13 (whether or not a bet has been made, in the event that a bet has been made the specified BET area 73, the number of chips (bets) bet on the specified BET area 73 and the betting method thereof), and the bet information is stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM 210 only for bets which are permissible. Note that in the event that information is received in Step S210 to the effect that no bet was made, the CPU 206 lowers the movable floor 18 to which the slot machine 13 and chair 57 are fixed. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step S211.

In Step S211, finalized bet display is performed. Specifically, the CPU 206 displays the bet information stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM 210 on the monitor 16. For example, the contents of the betting board 71 shown in FIG. 10 are displayed on the monitor 16. Displaying the bet information on the monitor 16 allows the players participating via the second gaming terminal 15 to know where the credit data, transmitted so as to relegate betting thereof to the player at the slot machine 13, has been bet, in the form of chips. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step S212.

In Step S212, the CPU 206 detects that the ball 65 has been received by one of the number pockets 63, following which the win determining device is activated so as to determine with which number the number pocket 63 which the ball 65 has been stored in is correlated. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step S213.

In Step S213, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the chips bet at the slot machine 13 have won, based on the number of the pocket where the ball 65 has been determined to have been stored in Step S212, and the bet information received from the slot machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step S214.

In Step S214, the CPU 206 executes payout calculation processing. In the payout calculation processing, the CPU 206 identifies the chip bet on the winning number. Furthermore, the CPU 206 calculates the total payout of credits paid out to the slot machine 13, and to the second gaming terminal 15 in the event that there has been a bet from a second gaming terminal 15, using the payout rates corresponding to the BET areas 73 specified in the second game payout table stored in the payout credit storage area of the ROM 208 (the number of credits to be paid out per chip (per bet)), and the weighting values in the conditions specified in the second game payout determining table. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the processing to Step S215. In this case, the monitor 16 may be arranged to display information such as the winning number, payouts, etc.

In Step S215, the CPU 206 executes transmission processing of the credit payout results of the roulette game based on the payout calculation processing in Step S214. Specifically, the CPU 206 transmits credit data equivalent to the payout amount to the second gaming terminal 15, at the same time as transmitting the credit data equivalent to the payout amount to the slot machine 13 which has won. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the processing to Step S216.

In Step S216, the CPU 206 drives the ball collecting device provided below the wheel 62, thereby collecting the ball 65 remaining on the wheel 62. The ball 65 thus collected is supplied again to the wheel 62 of the roulette device 60 in the following games.

Subsequently, the CPU 206 lowers the movable floor 18, on which the slot machine 13 and the seat 57 have been installed, whereupon this routine ends.

Note that an arrangement may be made in which, in the case that all the slot machines 13 are performing only the basic game, i.e., in the case that none of the slot machines 13 is performing the second game, the monitor 16 displays a demonstration image of the second game stored in the ROM 208.

Finally, a description will be given regarding a second game processing program for the second gaming terminal 15 with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B.

In step S301 shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 306 of the second gaming terminal 15 receives a second game start signal transmitted in the aforementioned Step S202 from the central controller 14. Upon reception of this signal, the player can operate the second gaming terminal 15 for the roulette game. At the same time, the screen as described later with reference to FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 93 of the second gaming terminal 15. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S302 according to the instruction from the CPU 306.

In Step S302, the CPU 306 performs participation processing described later with reference to FIG. 21.

Subsequently, the CPU 306 receives the payout results of the credits transmitted from the CPU 206 of the central controller 14 (Step S303 in FIG. 19B). Note that the credit payout results are payout results corresponding to winning/loosing at the roulette game which the slot machine 13 has played using the BET screen 70, based on the credit data transmitted from the second gaming terminal 15. Subsequently, the CPU 306 advances the processing to Step S304.

In Step S304, the CPU 306 performs credit payout based on the payout results received in Step S303. Specifically, credit data of an amount corresponding to the payout from the roulette game is recorded in the RAM 310, and further, the hopper 319 connected via the hopper driving circuit 318 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to the credit data from the coin tray 94 (see FIG. 12), in response to a command signal from the CPU 306. Subsequently, the CPU 306 ends the routine.

Thus, in the event of winning a payout with the roulette game, credit data is transmitted to the second gaming terminal 15 as payout of the roulette game, at the point that the roulette game ends. Accordingly, payout can be obtained at the second gaming terminal 15, thereby improving the amusement value of the game using the gaming system 10.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of betting processing executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine 13.

First, in Step S401, the CPU 106 receives initial credit data from the central controller 14. The term “initial credit data” as used here represents the credit data that can be bet on the basic bet in the second game according to the credit amount from the basic game. Subsequently, the CPU 306 advances the processing to Step S402.

In Step S402, the CPU 106 displays the BET screen 70 shown in the later-described FIG. 24 on the liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13 (Step S402), and starts reception of betting operations, i.e., starts a betting period wherein a player can bet chips (Step S403). The player can operate the touch panel 32 during this period during which bets can be received so as to place bets using the chips of the player, which are the initial credit data received in Step S401, on BET areas 73 corresponding to numbers which the player has predicted. Specific methods of betting using the BET screen 70 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24. Also, in the event that a bet has been placed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating to betting to the central controller 14.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a bet has been placed using the initial credit data. In the event that a bet has been placed using the initial credit data (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S404), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S407. On the other hand, in the event that no bet has been placed using the initial credit data (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S404), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S405.

In Step S405, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a betting period end signal has been received. In the event that a betting period end signal has been received (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S405), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S406. In the event that a betting period end signal has not been received (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S405), the CPU 106 returns the flow to Step S404.

In Step S406, the CPU 106 ends reception of betting operations, and then ends the routine.

In Step S407, the CPU 106 determines whether or not coins have been inserted. Specifically, whether or not coins for additional bets have been inserted from the coin insertion opening 22 of the slot machine 13 is determined. Note that an arrangement may be made in which basic game credits displayed on the credit number display unit 49 are used instead of the coins thus inserted. In the event that coins have been deposited (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S407), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S408. On the other hand, in the event that coins have not been deposited (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S407), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S409.

In Step S408, the CPU 106 performs additional betting processing. Specifically, a betting operation is performed using the BET screen 70, based on the deposited coins. Also, in the event that a bet has been placed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating to the bet, to the central controller 14. Subsequently, the CPU 106 advances the processing to Step S409.

In Step S409, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credit data has been received from the second gaming terminal 15. In the event that credit data has been received from the second gaming terminal 15 (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S409), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S410. On the other hand, in the event that credit data has not been received from the second gaming terminal 15 (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S409), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S411. Note that while the present embodiment describes an arrangement in which credit data is transmitted from a second gaming terminal 15, it is needless to say that credit data may be transmitted from another slot machine 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode.

In Step S410, the CPU 106 performs additional betting processing with the credit data transmitted from the second gaming terminal 15. Specifically, betting operations are performed using the BET screen 70, based on the credit data transmitted from the second gaming terminal 15 via the central controller 14. Also, in the event that a bet is placed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating to the bet to the central controller 14. Subsequently, the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S411.

In Step S411, determination is made regarding whether or not a betting period end signal has been received from the central controller 14. In the event that a betting period end signal has been received from the central controller 14 (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S411), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S412. On the other hand, in the event that no betting period end signal has been received (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S411), the CPU 106 returns the flow to Step S407. Accordingly, the gaming system allows the player to repeatedly place additional bets before the betting period expires.

In Step S412, the CPU 106 ends reception of betting operations, following which the CPU 106 ends the routine.

As mentioned earlier, following betting processing having been performed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating to the bet to the CPU 206 of the central controller 14, with the CPU 206 of the central controller 14 determining whether each bet is within the permissible range.

Also, in the event that a bet was not placed using the initial credit data, this means that a bet was not placed using the credits given to the slot machine 13 at the time of transition to the second game, and in such cases the credit data is forfeited, it being deemed that betting using the credit data has been abandoned. Also, in the event that no bet was made using the initial credit data, betting cannot be performed using credit data for additional bets transmitted from other slot machines 13 or second gaming terminals 15. Accordingly, the credit data for additional bets is returned to the other slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals 15.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of participation processing executed by the controller 300 of a second gaming terminal 15.

First, in Step S501, a determination is made regarding whether or not the CPU 306 has received a participation period end signal. The participation period is a period during which the second gaming terminal 15 can participate in the roulette game, and is timed by the central controller 14. In the event that a participation period end signal has been received (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S501), the CPU 306 advances the flow to Step S506. On the other hand, in the event that no participation period end signal has been received (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S501), the CPU 306 advances the flow to Step S502.

In Step S502, the CPU 306 determines whether or not a coin has been deposited. Specifically, the determination is made regarding whether or not a coin for an additional bet has been deposited from the coin insertion opening 91 of the second gaming terminal 15. In the event that a coin has been deposited (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S502), the CPU 306 advances the flow to Step S503. On the other hand, in the event that no coin has been deposited (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S502), the CPU 306 returns the flow to Step S501.

In Step S503, the CPU 306 displays a transmission screen for transmitting credit data for additional bets on the display 93. Subsequently, the CPU 306 advances the flow to Step S504.

In Step S504, the CPU 306 determines whether or not the transmission button has been pushed. Specifically, a determination is made regarding whether or not the transmission button 82 on the transmission screen, such as shown in FIG. 26, displayed on the display 93 by the processing in Step S503, has been pushed by the player. In the event that the transmission button has been pushed (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S504), the CPU 306 advances the flow to Step S505. On the other hand, in the event that the transmission button has not been pushed even after a predetermined amount of time (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S504), the CPU 306 returns the flow to Step S501.

In Step S505, the CPU 306 transmits the credit data to the CPU 206 of the central controller 14. The credit data transmitted from the second gaming terminal 15 is ultimately transmitted to the slot machine 13 via the central controller 14, whereby the slot machine 13 is able to perform additional bets using the credit data. Subsequently, the CPU 306 returns the flow to Step S501.

In Step S506, the processing makes a transition upon receiving the participation period end signal. In this case, the CPU 106 ends the reception of coin depositing, and ends the routine.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show examples of what is displayed on the slot machine 13 for the basic game according to the present embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the symbols when they are stationary are displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13. In this example, the “BONUS” symbols are arranged along the middle portion of the horizontal line, i.e., the “BONUS” winning combination is formed along the active pay line L5. As described above, in the case that the “BONUS” winning combination has been formed, the game is switched to the second game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23, the liquid a text reading “CONGRATULATIONS!! LET'S START THE ROULETTE GAME”. Such visual effects notify the player that the “BONUS” symbols have been arranged along a particular active pay line, and that the roulette game will start soon.

FIG. 24 shows an example of what is displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13, which allows the player to place a bet on the roulette game during the second game. A description will be given below regarding the example of what is displayed for the second game with reference to FIG. 24, except for the same components described above with reference to FIG. 10.

First, the BET screen 70 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13. The components of the BET screen 70 include: the result history display unit 72; a BET button display unit 77; a payout display unit 78; and a credit amount display unit 79, which are displayed, in that order, starting from the upper left of the portion below the betting board 71, which is also displayed on the BET screen 70. The payout display unit 78 and the credit amount display unit 79 are dedicated components provided for the roulette game, instead of the payout display unit 48 and the credit amount display unit 49 provided to the slot machine 13.

A BET button display unit 77 displays chips which have been deposited and which are to be bet on the BET areas 73 (number and letter squares, or on lines defining the squares) according to instructions from the player. The BET button display unit 77 comprises an initial chip storage portion 77A for displaying chips that can be bet as a result of transition from the basic game to the second game, these chips being represented by single circles; a first additional chip storage portion 77B for displaying chips for additional bets to be made by the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode, these chips being represented by double circles, and a second additional chip storage portion 77C for displaying chips for additional betting based on credit data transmitted from a second gaming terminal 15 or from another slot machine 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode, these chips being represented by circles with hatching. At first, only the chip mark 76 which corresponds to the initially-provided chips is displayed in the initial chip storage portion 77A. After the placement of the initial bet of the initial chip on a bet area 73, the additional bets are permitted. In this case, the chip marks 76 are displayed in the first additional chip storage portion 77B and the second additional chip storage portion 77C in conjunction with the credit data.

The player first operates the chip mark 76 displayed in the initial chip storage portion 77A by operating the touch panel 32, making a drag-and-drop operation with a finger, so as to specify a BET area 73 to place the bet. At this time a cursor 80 is displayed. Clicking on the chip mark 76 with the chip stopped at the position where a bet is to be placed removes the cursor 80 from the screen, thereby finalizing the bet. Note that one coin used with the basic game at the slot machine 13 is equivalent to one chip used in the second game.

The present invention is not restricted to such an arrangement in which the chips are bet on one location. Rather, the gaming system allows the player to bet the chips on multiple locations by repeatedly making the drag-and-drop operation on the BET areas 73 in increments of chip marks.

Also, an arrangement may be made in which multiple roulette games can be performed as long as there are credits remaining. With such an arrangement, a payout amount display unit 78 displays the number of chips which the player has bet in the previous game, and the credit amount to be paid out. Here, a number obtained by subtracting the amount bet from the payout credits is the credits which the player has newly obtained by the previous game. This display example shows the first instance of the second game after the slot machine 13 has entered the second game mode, so the amount bet and the payout credits both show “0”.

Furthermore, a credit amount display unit 79 displays the amount of credits which the player currently has. This credit amount decreases as chips are bet (one credit for one bet). Also, in the event that a chip which has been bet wins, and credits are paid out, a chip mark 76 representing the amount paid out is displayed. In the event that the number of credits which the player has becomes zero, the game is over. Let us consider a case in which the slot machine 13 has entered the second game mode with one credit. The example here shows the screen of the slot machine 13 in this case with 10 chips which is the initial chips being displayed at a location saying “19 to 36”, and with a remaining twenty chips being displayed not bet at the BET button display unit 77. Accordingly, “20” is displayed at the credit amount display unit 79.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a second game at a second gaming terminal 15, illustrating an example of a display made on the display 93 of the second gaming terminal 15 at the time of the second gaming terminal 15 receiving a second game start signal from the central controller 14.

The display 93 displays a message to the effect that the roulette game will start, and a terminal number 83 indicating the player of which slot machine 13 is going to bet in the second game. Depositing predetermined coins from the coin insertion opening 91 brings up a screen such as shown in FIG. 26, which will be described next, on the display 93.

FIG. 26 illustrates a display example displayed on the display 93 upon a coin having been deposited from the coin insertion opening 91 of the second gaming terminal 15, as an example of a display of the second game at the second gaming terminal 15.

A countdown number 81 is displayed on the display 93, indicating the amount of time in which participation can be made. This countdown number 81 displays the amount of time left in which participation can be made, based on the participation period timed by the central controller 14. Also, a transmission button 82 is provided toward the bottom of the display 93, and pushing this transmission button 82 transmits credit data for additional betting to the central controller 14.

FIG. 27 illustrates a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 at the time of making an additional bet at a slot machine 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode but is capable of communication with the central controller 14, as an example of a display of the second game at a slot machine 13.

Upon the slot machine 13 receiving a second game start signal, a small window 85 comes up toward the top of the liquid crystal display 30. A countdown number 81 is displayed toward the left side of the small window 85, indicating the amount of time in which participation can be made. This countdown number 81 displays the amount of time left in which participation can be made, based on the participation period timed by the central controller 14. Also, a transmission button 82 is provided toward the right side of the small window 85, and pushing this transmission button 82 transmits credit data for additional betting to the central controller 14. Note that with the other slot machine 13, credits already displayed at the credit amount display unit 49 for the basic game may be used, or coins may be used by newly depositing the coins from the coin insertion opening 22. Furthermore, as with the case of the second gaming terminal 15, a second game starting screen such as shown in FIG. 25 may first be displayed and then the screen shown in FIG. 27 displayed on the liquid crystal display 30.

Thus, with the gaming system and the gaming control method according to the present embodiment, in the event that a predetermined symbol combination, such as “BONUS” symbol combination or the like, has come to a stop along the pay line L5 in the basic game at the slot machine 13, the roulette game performed at the second gaming device 11 separate from the slot machine 13 is started. In this case, the slot machine 13 becomes a terminal capable of betting operations of the roulette game, and can use credits provided by the “BONUS” combination in the basic game for basic bets in the roulette game. Furthermore, additional bets can be made from not only the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode but also additional bets can be made by additional credits from slot machines 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode, and second gaming terminals 15. Such additional bets enable multiple betting, and also the payout of the roulette game also increases due to the additional betting.

Moreover, in the event of a win, the second gaming terminals 15 and other slot machines 13 which have provided credit data for additional bets each can receive payouts.

While the gaming system according to the present invention has been described above by way of embodiments, it should be clearly understood that the embodiments are exemplary of the invention and in no way restrict the present invention, and that the specific configurations such as the means and components may be modified and altered as suitable. Moreover, it should be understood that the advantages described in association with the embodiments are merely a listing of most preferred advantages, and that the advantages of the present invention are by no means restricted to those described in connected with the embodiments.

While description has been made regarding an arrangement in which the roulette game is performed as a second game using a real roulette device, the present invention is not restricted to such an arrangement. Also, the roulette game may be performed using a virtual roulette. Also, the second game may be other forms of gaming, such as a card game like poker, quizzes, or the like. Moreover, other conceivable arrangements include, but are not restricted to, competing with a computer or other players using devices which involve physical exertion, such as cycling machines, horseback riding machines, and so forth.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is to be understood that they are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered to be limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered to be limited by the foregoing description and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A gaming system comprising: slot machines each of which executes a basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a separate device from said slot machines, and which executes the second game; second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game; and a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, and which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.
 2. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.
 3. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet.
 4. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet.
 5. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals transmits the data concerning the additional bets in the form of credit data, and receives data from said central controller concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data thus being transmitted.
 6. A gaming system comprising: slot machines each of which executes a basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a separate device from said slot machines, and which executes the second game; second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game; and a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet, which increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the received data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet, and which provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.
 7. A gaming system comprising: slot machines each of which executes a basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a separate device from said slot machines, and which executes the second game; second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game; and a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet, which permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets thus being received, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet, and which transmits data to said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data that corresponds to the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any one of other slot machines that differ from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals.
 8. A gaming system comprising: slot machines each of which executes a basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a separate device from said slot machines, and which executes the second game; second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game; and a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet, which increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the received data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet, which permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets thus being received, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet, which provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed, and which transmits data to said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data that corresponds to the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals.
 9. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined condition, a controller of one of said slot machines transmits a signal for switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device; a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for the second game according to the switching signal being received from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in which said central controller receives the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine; a step in which the controller of said slot machine, a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet; and a step in which said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.
 10. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further comprising a step in which said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.
 11. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further comprising a step in which said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet.
 12. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further comprising a step in which said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.
 13. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further comprising: a step in which the controller of any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals transmits the data concerning the additional bets in the form of credit data; a step in which said central controller receives the credit data from any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals; a step in which said central controller transmits data concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data; and a step in which the controller of any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals receives the data concerning the payout from said central controller.
 14. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined condition, a controller of one of said slot machines transmits a signal for switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device; a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for the second game according to the switching signal being received from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in which said central controller receives the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine; a step in which the controller of said slot machine, a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet; a step in which said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a step in which said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet; and a step in which said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.
 15. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined condition, a controller of one of said slot machines transmits a signal for switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device; a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for the second game according to the switching signal being received from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in which said central controller receives the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine; a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet, or a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits credit data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet; a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any other slot machine or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any one of said other slot machines or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods that differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a step in which said central controller transmits data concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data; and a step in which the controller of any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals receives the data concerning the payout from said central controller.
 16. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined condition, a controller of one of said slot machines transmits a signal for switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device; a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for the second game according to the switching signal being received from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in which said central controller receives the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine; a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet, or a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits credit data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet; a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any other slot machine or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any other slot machine or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet; a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any one of said other slot machines or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods that differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a step in which said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets being received from said slot machine, or the credit data concerning the additional bets being received from any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed; a step in which said central controller transmits data concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data; and a step in which the controller of any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals receives the data concerning the payout from said central controller. 